1 CORINTHIANS 9
21 To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. 23 I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings. 24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.
– 1 Corinthians 9:21-27
1 CORINTHIANS 9 ADAPTING TO OTHERS TO BRING THE GOSPEL
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
When you bring the good news to the unbelieving world
Be sensitive to those whom you are bringing God’s word
Adapt to their lifestyle but present the gospel truthfully
Find a way to develop relationships with those you will preach to
When you are rigid and legalistic, they will have a close mind
Then you will not be able to be the hand and foot for God.
In this letter, Paul stresses the importance of walking in love as believers reach out to bring the gospel to those who do not know Christ. Sadly, many believers fail to do this and get to presenting the Good News as if it was a commodity to persuade others that they need to buy or consume. What Paul is saying is that we ought to adapt to the lifestyles of those whom we would be reaching out to present the gospel.
Poole comments “To the Gentiles, he behaved himself as if he himself had been a Gentile, that is, forbearing the observances of the Levitical law, to which the Gentiles had never any obligation at all.” While Smith says “Paul sought to win people to Jesus Christ by being sensitive to their needs and identifying with them. We should try to reach people where they are today and expect to see changes later.”
REFLECTION
- What are some wrong ways a believer can bring the gospel to the world?